http://mmajunkie.comEarlier this week, a story about veteran UFC lightweight Joe Stevenson heading to Mexico for more-affordable X-rays caused a stir.

It also caused a bit of a split among MMA fans, who argued over an MMA promotion’s responsibility to its competitors, fighters’ own responsibilities, and even whether there’s anything wrong with the current setup.

I recently read an article on MMAjunkie.com about UFC fighter Joe Stevenson seeking medical care in the Mexican city of Tijuana.

Joe “Daddy” participated in “The Ultimate Fighter 2,” fought B.J. Penn for the title, and has performed in more than 10 UFC fights. I suggest that most would agree (fan of his or not) that Stevenson has paid his dues in the octagon.

So why was he in Tijuana seeking X-rays for his bum knee?

No health insurance.

The UFC, as most MMA promotional organizations, are required to provide fight-night insurance and – to varying degrees – cover injuries sustained that night. Nothing more.

So, he chose to go south of the border in order to save money. What did he get for his hard-earned cash?

He got knee X-rays and an inappropriate and misinformed diagnosis by a technician, not a doctor, and certainly not an orthopedic surgeon. X-ray technicians are trained to perform an X-ray – not evaluate (read) it. Nor do they attend medical school, residency or fellowships in hopes of one day providing a useful diagnosis.

FYI: X-rays are not used to diagnose or image LCL or PCL tears. Clinical exams and MRIs are used to evaluate those types of ligamentous injuries.

I hope that Joe “Daddy” got more in Tijuana than just suspect medical care.

Not so long ago, I sparked a lively debate when I took the temperature of the MMA faithful when I asked if we/they would be willing voluntarily to donate (redundant) a dollar to a medical fund for injured UFC fighters who could not afford proper medical care.

I suggested, once again, a donation that is very different than a tax (involuntary, once again redundant) to be added to the pay-per-view fee as merely a simple means to collect said funds.

No sooner did we post the article than the venom spewed – to my dismay.

There exists a significant and very vocal cadre of fans who generally feels, “Screw ’em. I pay too much already!”

The wealthiest and most financially able promoters will not cover these elite athletes and their families who depend on them with adequate and basic health insurance. Many fans say, “Screw our heroes. They know the risks and are irresponsible, and no one pays my bills.”

So an honorable athlete such as Stevenson leaves it all in the octagon for our enjoyment and catches a ride to Tijuana for substandard but less-expensive medical care? My conscience tells me that there must be a better way.

Dr. Johnny Benjamin is MMAjunkie.com’s medical columnist and consultant and a noted combat-sports specialist. He is also a member of the Association of Boxing Commissions’ MMA Medical Subcommittee. In addition to his “Ask the Fight Doc” feature, Dr. Benjamin pens “Medical Beat” columns about issues relating to health care and combat sports. You can find Dr. Benjamin online at www.drjohnnybenjamin.com, and you can read his other sports-related articles at blog.drjohnnybenjamin.com.

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